Nephroprotective effects of visnagin through modulation of macrophage polarization, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in renal I/R injury

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of visnagin on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the role of M1/M2 macrophage polarization in this process. Methods: Forty-two adult rats were divided into six groups: Control, Visnagin30 mg/kg, Visnagin60 mg/kg, I/R, I/R + Visnagin30 mg/kg, I/R + Visnagin60 mg/kg (n=7). Bilateral renal ischemia was induced by clamping for 25 min, followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Visnagin or vehicle was administered to the animals intraperitoneally 2 h before reperfusion. At the end of the study, kidney samples were collected for analysis of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic protein expression, and M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Results: I/R injury increased malondialdehyde (MDA), chemiluminescence (CL), IL-1β, and IL-6 levels while decreasing glutathione (GSH) in renal tissue, indicating enhanced oxidative stress (p